Sudden cardiac arrest as a presenting symptom of mitral valve prolapse

Abstract

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common and predominantly benign condition; however, occasional reports of cardiac arrest in individuals with MVP have raised concern for a malignant subtype. The risk of sudden cardiac arrest in MVP is twice as high as that in the general population. The exact aetiology and risk predictors are elusive, but identification is necessary, if we are to protect patients at risk for cardiac arrest. This report highlights cardiac arrest as the initial presenting symptom of MVP. Rapid initiation of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and time to first shock are key predictors of prognosis. Better screening to identify individuals with malignant phenotypes may aid in reducing the morbidity and mortality in patients with a predisposition for life-threatening arrhythmias.